Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has passed away at the age of 82, sparking a wave of emotional reactions from religious groups in Kaduna State, each offering sharply different reflections on his legacy. While the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) praised Buhari for his integrity and moral leadership, the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA) criticized his administration as a period of suffering and neglect for their people.
The Kaduna chapter of the SCSN described Buhari as a leader guided by principles of discipline and honesty. In a statement signed by its Secretary, Engr. AbdurRahman Hassan D., the council said the late president played a crucial role in the revival of Shari’ah law in northern Nigeria in the early 2000s. His constitutional and moral support, the council noted, gave confidence to Islamic scholars and communities, eventually leading to the creation of the SCSN.
They also highlighted his anti-corruption stance, referencing initiatives such as the War Against Indiscipline, his clampdown on money politics, and the controversial naira redesign policy. While admitting that some of Buhari’s actions were considered harsh, the council argued that his intentions were always to build a morally upright and disciplined nation. They prayed for Allah’s mercy and urged the country to raise more leaders with such courage.
However, the tone was markedly different from the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association, which expressed sorrow over Buhari’s death but recalled his presidency as a difficult time for their people. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, the group described Buhari’s civilian rule as a “dark and painful era” for Southern Kaduna.
They accused his administration of failing to address the frequent violence and insecurity in their communities, and of ignoring repeated calls for action. While they remembered his military regime in the 1980s as strict but nationally impactful, they argued that his later civilian leadership lacked fairness and inclusiveness.
Despite their criticism, the group prayed for healing and national unity. They called on future leaders to embrace justice and govern without religious or ethnic bias, expressing hope that Nigeria would move forward from Buhari’s legacy and become a place where all citizens feel equally valued.
The mixed responses reflect the deep divide in public opinion about Buhari’s leadership—a presidency marked by strong convictions, controversial policies, and complex legacies.
